India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The occasion marked a deeply spiritual moment as the Prime Minister, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, arrived at the site to participate in one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The Maha Kumbh Mela, which occurs every 12 years, is a momentous occasion for millions of Hindus who travel to the holy site to take a dip in the confluence of the three rivers. The event is believed to cleanse the soul of past sins, offering devotees the chance to break free from the cycle of rebirth and attain salvation. This year, authorities expect around 400 million people to attend, with over 38 crore pilgrims having already visited by early February. The festival will conclude on February 26.
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Prime Minister Modi, dressed in a saffron-colored jacket, blue track pants, and a ‘rudraksha’ chain, reached Prayagraj’s Arail Ghat at 10 am. From there, he journeyed to the Sangam Nose, a strip of land at the Triveni Sangam, in a boat along with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. After a brief boat ride, Modi ventured into the waters of the Sangam alone. Standing at the confluence of the three rivers, he took a ceremonial dip and recited mantras, symbolizing his devotion to the sacred waters. PM Modi shared the significance of the experience in a post on the social media platform X. He said, “Blessed to be at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The Snana at the Sangam is a moment of divine connection, and like the crores of others who have taken part in it, I was also filled with a spirit of devotion. May Maa Ganga bless all with peace, wisdom, good health, and harmony.”
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As part of the religious observance, the Prime Minister also offered “Arghya” to the sun god and prayed to the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Following the holy dip, PM Modi performed a puja while dressed in a black kurta, a saffron stole, and a Himachali cap, paying homage to the sacredness of the event. Local priests highlighted that PM Modi’s visit coincided with the special occasion of Bhishm Ashtami during the ongoing Gupta Navratri, a time when offerings are made not only to Goddess Durga but also to ancestors. His participation in these rituals reflected the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the Kumbh Mela.
The Prime Minister’s visit lasted for approximately two hours. Despite his presence at the Sangam, authorities ensured that the pilgrimage experience continued smoothly for the other devotees. Pilgrims were able to take their dips at various temporary ghats without disruption. This was PM Modi’s first visit to the Maha Kumbh after the tragic stampede that occurred on January 29. However, it wasn’t his first engagement with the event. Last December, the Prime Minister inaugurated 167 development projects worth Rs 5,500 crore aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims attending the festival.
In addition to PM Modi, the Maha Kumbh has attracted other global figures, including Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs; Coldplay’s Chris Martin; and Hollywood actress Dakota Johnson, who have praised the arrangements at the Kumbh. Furthermore, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk also visited the event recently, participating in spiritual activities and exploring significant sites, including the ‘Digital Mahakumbh Experience Centre’ and the sacred Akshayvat tree. The ongoing Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, continues to draw millions of devotees from across India and beyond. It is one of the holiest and most significant gatherings in Hinduism. Pilgrims flock to the event, eager to immerse themselves in the divine waters, seek spiritual renewal, and join in the collective experience of faith and devotion.
With more than 38 crore pilgrims already attending and numbers rising daily, the Uttar Pradesh government has ensured comprehensive arrangements to manage the crowd. In addition to the development projects inaugurated by PM Modi, an elaborate security strategy has been implemented, involving a mix of civil police, PAC, STF, ATS, NSG, and paramilitary forces to ensure the safety and smooth experience of pilgrims. Key locations, such as pontoon bridges, Akhara routes, and bathing ghats, have been fortified to manage the large influx of devotees. As the Maha Kumbh Mela continues, the sacred event remains a powerful symbol of faith, spirituality, and the collective pursuit of salvation for millions of devotees.
